Neuroscience

Students in Neuroscience major are expected to participate in active research, supervised by a faculty research mentor. The course grade is based on 10 hours/week lab work toward achieving term goals that are determined individually at the beginning of the term. Students are expected to submit a Term Plan one month after the first day of classes and a Progress Report two weeks before the last day of classes.

Current developments in the interdisciplinary field of neurosciences will be examined, from molecular neurobiology through cognitive neuroscience. Instruction will be based on readings of original literature, presentation of original and new data from Neuroscience faculty and attendance of seminar talks as part of the Neuroscience Graduate Seminar series. Required for the Neuroscience Distinguished Major Program (DMP). Prerequisite: Neuroscience BA, subplan DMP.

This course provides opportunities for first and second year students who have not yet declared a major to engage in supervised research activities.

This course introduces students to foundational and modern neuroscience research techniques through laboratory investigations. Neuroscience is explored at the molecular, systems, and behavioral level. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biopotentials, development, histology, and microscopy. An emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships, experimental design, and application of techniques in research.

Introduction to experimental methods in neural development research using zebrafish as a model system. Lectures focus on vertebrate nervous system development and teratogens. Labs build skills in brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, morphological and behavioral analysis, and histology. Course begins with guided inquiry labs and progresses to student-developed scholarly research projects, culminating in presentations of novel research findings.

The diverse functions of the nervous system depend on precise wiring of connections between neurons. This course covers cellular and molecular processes of how neuronal connections are established during development. Diseases which result from failing to establish the circuitry will also be discussed. This course will introduce research methods and technology, and encourage students to develop logical rationale of contemporary research.

A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. The thesis must be based on empirical research conducted by the student. Prerequisite: Participant in Neuroscience DMP.

This course will explore how reciprocal crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system contributes to health and disease. Attention will be paid to highlight how immune responses contribute to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimers disease, depression, anxiety, and autism.

Topics of current interest in neuroscience are presented and discussed by both the program faculty and visiting neuroscientists from other institutions. Prerequisite: Permission of program director.

This course will review current literature in the field of molecular neuroscience in a journal club format.

This course will review current literature in the field of synapse and circuit neuroscience in a journal club style format. 

This course will introduce students to fundamental principles that guide epilepsy research today. Topics range from understanding how human seizures are classified to how animal models can inform our mechanistic understanding of epilepsy. The course includes formal lectures by clinical and basic science faculty, as well as student presentations.

Students give forty-five minute presentations to their peers each week. Provides a chance for practice and improvement in giving lectures and an opportunity to receive advice from fellow trainees and attending faculty. Gives all members of the program updates on the progress and scientific interests of the students.

For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

For doctoral research, under the supervision of a dissertation director.